As the fairy tale realm is quite sizable, I, the narrator, would like to say there are still a few more characters to be introduced into this story. Thus, while the previous events were happening, elsewhere there were some very important matters going on inside a royal palace pertaining to a certain prince. Let me introduce you to him.

His name is Prince Tamlan. He was the elder son of the crown king, King Ambroise. The king, however, favored Prince Tamlan's younger brother, Prince Berwyn, also son of the current queen. Technically the two princes were half-brothers, sharing their father’s blood, coming from different mothers. Tamlan’s mother died during childbirth before Ambroise was even King. Shortly afterwards, Ambroise was crowned king, and he ended up marrying the current queen and Prince Berwyn was born.

While King Ambroise did take Tamlan in to the royal family, it was soon apparent that he was more interested in developing the other prince, Prince Berwyn, to be the next-in-line for the throne if anything were to happen. Despite being the father of Tamlan too, King Ambroise spent little time at all with Tamlan, instead concentrating on Berwyn instead.

Perhaps due to the King’s focus towards educating and preparing Prince Berwyn from really early on, it seemed Prince Berwyn gradually developed a slight edge over Prince Tamlan. Do not get me wrong though! Prince Tamlan still was subjected to one of the best education too (He was royalty after all!), so he was quite formidable as well. However, as the two grew older, especially during their teenage years, it became apparent Tamlan was becoming more of a rebellious prince with a knack for flirting and frivolity, yet still capable. At least, that was what his image was appearing like to others. Prince Tamlan, the handsome casanova, the Prince who was open to both the attention of men or women, who partied a lot, who got drunk a lot! (a fuckboi?) Who also excelled in the sword and martial arts. On the other hand, Prince Berwyn became the model Prince, epitome of the best of the Kingdom-- mind, strength, and morals. Tamlan? He was brawn, with the brain hidden under a playboy personality, and apparently questionable morals.

I cannot say for sure Prince Tamlan's reasons for such a change from a proper prince (he was quite good and proper before his teenage years), however, I suspect it was a reaction to his father’s treatment towards him. King Ambroise spent little time at all with Tamlan, and the ones that were spent often featured a very distant King. Even the people could see King Ambroise could not even look the prince in the eyes. I would not be surprised if this bad boy Prince image was all an act motivated to elicit some sort of attention from his father-- any attention, even bad ones, was alright to Tamlan.

Overall, the king was not at all a great parent to Tamlan emotionally, and so the queen tried to compensate for that. In a way, she would often try to please Tamlan with any of his requests and would attempt to connect with him. So, Tamlan liked her more than his biological father. Despite the rocky relationship between father-son, Prince Tamlan even got along with Prince Berwyn too, whom his own father favored, although there were initially some little hiccups.

If I were to guess, I bet Tamlan threw away the idea of being with power and embraced a wild lifestyle instead (acting out to gain attention from father), eventually loving the lifestyle so much. In fact, Prince Tamlan was one of the strongest supporters of Prince Berwyn to become the heir, for Tamlan had lost interest in ever pursuing a royal career. However, not many people knew that.

At this point of time, which took place a bit before or on the day of when Jack and Finn met Snow and Rose, Prince Tamlan was relaxing in one of the vacation homes of the royals, one that was personally made for him (and approved by the queen). This one was by a lake, one of his favorite places to visit for its scenic views. A great place to work out at (running or swimming for example, or just training) or to enjoy leisurely (a stroll on his horse for example, or a bit of frisky adventure with some beauties). After a lengthy workout session in the morning that involved running, swimming, and working out his muscles (his body was a source of pride!), he was already cleaned up and in the middle of some leisure time (i.e. a bit of frisky adventure with another), enjoying the warmth of the sun, the view (of the scenery and the beauty in front of him), and the touch of skin on top of one another, moments of pleasure and passion and lots of moans resounding on the lakeside. This sort of activity in broad daylight would definitely be considered improper at the Capital. Lucky I’m not there, Tamlan thought with a laugh.

“A-hem,” A voice appeared out of nowhere, belonging to one of the servants, “your highness. Hansel and Gretel are here, requesting to see you.”

Ah, Hansel and Gretel, the twins. These were the Prince’s best friends and guards, among many other roles. A sudden image of Hansel popped up, and that made him smile. Best friends yes, and a bit more-- you know, friends with benefits...

“Thank you. Let them come in soon; I’ll be done in a bit.”

The servant nodded and then left. Tamlan turned his attention to the lucky woman beside him, kissing her neck and whispering in her ears sweet nothings and farewells and promises of more paradise another time. The woman giggled and got up, but not without tugging Tamlan in a sensitive area that turned him on, and he unconsciously released a sexy growl.

“Bye, my prince,” she said as she put on her clothing and walked off, with Tamlan admiring the way her hips moved seductively. That ass too…. Damn.

“Wipe that smug mouth of yours, Prince.”

“Why hello there, my dear Hansel! Did you miss me already? And can I wipe my smug mouth on yours?”

“Miss you? Nah, I’ve had better before,” Hansel replied back, a cheeky grin on his face, “you’re not bad though.”

“Ah, how you wound me!” Prince Tamlan replied back, equally cheeky, “though you do have high standards. I mean you’re definitely one of my favorites.”

“Of course, I learnt it from one of the best--you. Though, I’m much more talented.”

“Oh, what a backhanded compliment! Why don’t you go pro--”

“OH BROTHER!” a female voice soon interrupted, preventing Prince Tamlan from issuing his challenge to Hansel, “you two, stop flirting! Tamlan, get some clothing on.” (His body was blinding, especially under the sunlight. It could potentially be a safety hazard but Tamlan never listened)!

“Ah, Gretel! How nice to see you too, but no~ it’s not often I can go around naked out in broad daylight!”

“Well, no wonder! You know, that dewy skin of yours….it’s blinding!”

“Precisely! I’d cause a distraction with my handsome looks in the Capital. But here, I’m free reign. You know how my father would kill me if I did that in the Capital! ”

“Alright, alright.” Gretel relented. She looked around and then lowered her voice, “Let’s go inside. Hansel and I have got some news for you.”

“Right.” The Prince said, growing more serious, “let us go then.” He tossed on a loose robe, and led them inside to his bedroom. “What was it that you heard, Hansel and Gretel?”

“Your brother, Prince Berwyn is missing,” Gretel said.

“What? How long has he been missing? Who else knows? ”

“Not many, we think. The top royal guards and spies, perhaps? And soon the King and Queen. They’re most likely trying to figure out a cover-up story and investigation right now. It would be bad if news get out.”

“Right,” Prince Tamlan said impatiently, “And for how long has he been missing?”

“They think he has been gone for at least a day, maybe two.”

This was worrying, especially if it was a kidnapping. As successful as the kingdom was, it still had some enemies. Tamlan knew that as time passed, the chances of his brother being alive could lessen, but there was also the possibility of his brother being held for ransom. The enemy could be very extreme, and it could very well put the kingdom in the disadvantage. Besides, Tamlan wanted Berwyn alive for selfish reasons too. I need him to be the next King. There’s no way in hell I want to become the next in line. And Father, he would never let that happen either. Especially not after Tamlan already purposely ruined his own image. His father...dammit. He was so angry at the king, but at the same time, there was still a little boy in him that ached for his love. Fuck him. The cynical side of Tamlan doubted his father would care if something were to happen to him anyway. He seemed to only care about Berwyn.

As competent as the royal palace, guards, spies, and workers were, Tamlan couldn’t stand to just wait...He had to...do something! If anyone hurts him, I will break their neck.

“Go.” Hansel encouraged his best friend on, “That is what you want, right? Go save your brother.”

“Yeah, we’ll support you.” Gretel put a hand on Tamlan’s shoulder.

Indeed, the two read his mind. Tamlan wanted to go.

“Thanks,” Tamlan pulled Gretel and Hansel into a big hug, “I love you guys.”

“We got to do something about your hair though, luv.” Hansel brushed back a strand of Tamlan’s hair. Indeed, Tamlan’s hair was quite noticeably long… down to the elbow. The hair was something Tamlan purposely grew to make himself stand out. It definitely became a trait associated with Tamlan now.

“Not to mention that scar!” added Gretel as she pushed Tamlan down onto a seat in front of the mirror. “Hun, I’m gonna have to teach you how to cover that up.” Excitedly, Gretel searched around in his drawer, for she sometimes left her stuff there. “Ah-ha! There’s my make-up. You can take this.”

“Thank you, beautiful,” said Tamlan, cheerfully.

“Are there any scissors in there?”

“Yes, brother! Here you go.” Gretel handed a pair of scissors to Hansel. “While you do that, I’ll go grab some stuff. We gotchu!”

“Alright sis.”

“No problem. See you later alligators!” Gretel hopped on out.

It was now just Tamlan and Hansel in the room. Snip! Snip! Hansel tested out the scissors, while wondering what hairstyle to give his prince. He was really looking forward to this, considering Tamlan’s hair was off-limits in the past. “Now, now, Prince. Say goodbye to your pretty hair!”

“Ohh,” teased Tamlan, “That’s daring. You know, I don’t let anybody touch my hair. But for you, I’ll let you do that, if you...prove that you are better than me.” Tamlan gestured towards his own body and winked at Hansel.

“Oh?” Hansel played along, “Why, I don’t even need to use my body. My lips will be enough.”

With a twinkle in his eyes, hints of mischief and seduction, Tamlan stared at Hansel and dared, “Try me, luv.”

Hansel smirked, “My pleasure.” He went in for the kiss. In between breaths and kisses (Tamlan was deep into it), Hansel whispered in Tamlan’s ears, “But don’t miss me too much.”

20 minutes later…

Tamlan admitted defeat. “You are indeed more formidable, Hansel!”

“I know,” Hansel agreed, as he picked up his clothing Tamlan had thrown to the ground. He gave a wink to Tamlan, “I learned from the very best- you. I’m just--”

“Ha ha ha. I know, I know. You are just more talented. And I can’t disagree.”

At that moment the door opened.

“Hey guys! I got some clothing and hair dy…!!”

Gretel’s eyes were not prepared. There Tamlan was naked again, his robe on the floor. That was normal...you kind of get used to it as one of his best friends. But imagine her shock to see her brother with his hair unkempt, shirtless, pants unzipped, and suddenly a hickey on his collarbone. Ah, I should have seen this coming. She shook her head, a bit annoyed. “Duude~ Hannseell!! Tamlan!! SERIOUSLY!? Right now?!”

“Sorry, sorry! I egged him on.” Tamlan apologized and snuck a glance at Hansel, who was getting dressed. Mmm, sexy. “ He’ll cut my hair soon!”

Gretel sighed. “Ok, ok, but you’ll have to leave as soon as possible if you want to look for your brother. You know your stepmum would be really worried and have you return to the capital soon probably. In the meanwhile, I bought you some clothing. And hair dye.”

As Hansel cut Tamlan’s hair, Gretel showcased the clothing to him. They all agreed the clothing were suitable. After that, she went to prepare the hair dye. Meanwhile, Hansel examined his work for a moment. The new haircut looked fine, but the facial hair had to go. He brought out the shaving tools. “Shave.”

Soon after Gretel came out. “Ooh, your hair’s shorter now! Ooh, you look younger clean shaven. I approve! Now, let’s add some dark.”

After the hair dyed dark, clothing changed, and then makeup done (Tamlan learnt it quite quickly), Hansel and Gretel took the time to admire their work. From long blond hair, to medium-length brunette, and no facial hair anymore, Hansel was quite satisfied. “You look different!” However, Gretel still felt there was something missing… Ah! She put a pair of old reading glasses that belonged to Hansel onto Tamlan. “Yes! Perfect!!” Hm, that superman book sure got that right. Guess glasses can hide a secret identity and make someone into a Clark Kent.

“Thanks my luvs.” Tamlan couldn’t help but admire himself in the mirror, also quite impressed by the disguise his friends helped him with. “This looks great!”

“You’re welcome! It’s about time for us to go now,” said Gretel.

“Alright, then let me give both of you a big hug.” Tamlan spread his arms out, inviting his best friends. The two threw themselves into his arms.

As the hug finished, Gretel added, “Good luck, hun! Sorry we can’t see you off. Don’t forget to come up with an alias and pack!”

“Hey, Prince. One more thing. Before we go...I want to give you something.” Hansel took out a white, bell-shaped flower from his pocket and carefully slipped it in Tamlan’s breast pocket. “My white heather flower for protection. It’s yours now.” He patted him on the chest a few times, “Keep it safe. I’ll miss you. Until next time then!” On the last pat, Hansel’s hand seemed to linger a bit longer and together with his eyes, the unsaid message was: You better come back! Because next time, Hansel wanted to continue what was left off today, and perhaps even continue with Tamlan forever. To settle down.

And that was that. Hansel and Gretel went off to go back to work. Meanwhile, Tamlan was getting some last minute preparation ready. For one, he’ll need to coax out his special horse. She was a spectacular beast of beauty and speed and special abilities. For the most part, she was given the opportunity to roam around freely and play on this property, and he rarely ever used her. Only for special occasions or long trips... For another, he’ll need to find an alias he could use. What name do i want? Oh yeah, and don’t forget packing!